Ahern in Finland: New Commission President does not hinge on result of EU vote

Irish Prime Minister listens to Finnish concerns, offers few promises

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Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern says that the result of the June elections for the European Parliament will not determine who will be the next President of the European Commission.
      During a visit to Finland on Thursday, Ahern said that while the elections are important, the post of Commission President is so important and extensive that the heads of state of the EU countries should choose the best candidate.
      Helsinki was Ahern’s third stop on a tour of EU capitals in advance of next month’s EU summit. He said that all candidates for the Commission Presidency mentioned so far were good. As the political leader of the present holder of the EU Presidency, Ahern wields considerable influence when the Commission President is chosen.
     
Ahern emphasised that the task is a demanding one. The next Commission President will be involved in membership talks with Bulgaria and Romania. He also said that the question of Turkish EU membership should be resolved soon.
      His words brought hope to those who would like to see Paavo Lipponen, the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament and chairman of the Social Democratic Party, be named President of the next European Commission. Conservative leaders in the EU say that the Commission President should be chosen from among the ranks of a party that gets an election victory.
      Ahern’s talks with Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen also touched upon negotiations for a new EU constitution. Finnish concerns include the introduction of competition in welfare services, and the influence of small countries in an expanded EU.
      Ahern listened to Finland’s concerns, but would not offer any concessions. He also pointed out that many large countries are opposed to Finnish demands for exceptions in trade in health and education services.
      Ahern said that he also understands that having a representative on the Commission is important for small countries like Finland and Ireland. However, he also said that he understands the need for efficiency, which would be difficult if the Commission is very large.
     
Vanhanen showed Ahern diagrams based on calculations of the influence that the different EU countries would have, depending on how votes are counted in the European Council.
      The proposal contained in the present draft constitution was seen as the least advantageous for Finland, while for Germany, the UK, France, and Italy it gives more power than any other model.
      Ahern remarked on the great care put by Finland into the analysis of the issue.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Race for European Commission President intensifies; Lipponen’s chances decline (4.5.2004)

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